I’ve mostly hiked in heavy, rugged boots, especially during my military days with boots that felt like a kg each. Recently, I’m considering lighter options for my next pair, like shoes or trail runners.
What do people generally think about shoes versus boots today? Are most hikers still using boots, or have many switched to lighter options? I usually hike on established paths, with a few off-trail adventures, but nothing too extreme. What type of footwear would be best for my needs?
I have trail runners, lightweight hiking boots, and alpine boots.
I use trail runners on dry days, even at higher elevations, with a light pack. They’re great on known trails where I feel safe. For less known trails with wet patches and heavier packs, I prefer lightweight boots like the Salomon Quest or Altra Olympus 6 GTX mid.
For rainy weather and multi-day treks in the high alpine, I go for old-school full leather waterproof boots with a rugged sole.
From your post history, it seems you’re from Denmark. I usually wear trail runners there and lightweight boots when it’s sandy or wet.
Charley said: @Jude
Can you elaborate on what you mean by fitness and biomechanics?
Fitness refers to your weight, walking speed, and how much you walk on uneven ground.
Biomechanics includes how your joints and muscles move, your balance, and body awareness.
If you have weak ankles or poor balance, a more supportive boot is better. If you’re lighter and have good balance, you can opt for less support. Factors like sole thickness and materials also affect support.
@Jude
Great breakdown. I think people with weaker ankles should try walking in lighter runners to strengthen their muscles, as long as they have a good gait. This helps build stability without relying solely on supportive boots.
It really depends on terrain and biomechanics, but some brands are now making versatile shoes that combine features from different styles.
For example, the Oboz Katabatic Mid is like a trail runner but with ankle support and a rock plate. They come in both waterproof and non-waterproof versions.
Trail runners are the go-to for serious distances, like for thru-hikers and ultrarunners. Boots only make sense for specific rugged conditions. I suggest trying a pair of well-fitting trail runners—they’re great!
I’ve always preferred boots. I like how they protect my feet from roots and rocks, and I feel more stable in them.
My wife tried trail runners but didn’t like them—they lacked protection and wore out quickly. She switched to hiking shoes and loves them for their traction and lighter weight. Many people enjoy trail runners though.
Andi said:
For your needs, trail runners or low/mid-top hiking shoes would probably be best.
Low hiking shoes are my favorite now. I don’t hike much, but when I lived in Wisconsin, I wore boots in winter instead of snow boots. Now in Texas, I just wear athletic shoes for hiking. I wanted something with better grip and waterproofing, so I started looking into hiking shoes.
I’m not a fan of high ankle support, but low hiking shoes still provide good protection, and they’re much lighter than boots. I ended up with Salomon Outlines, which work well but eventually wore out. Now I have Salomon Speedcross running shoes, which are great for walking too!
I use all three types based on weather, terrain, and distance. My North Face Mid ankle boots are for winter hikes that aren’t too long. For rocky trails, I choose my Keen hiking shoe boots. My Brooks trail runner/hiking hybrid shoes work well for most situations and are good for long distances.